While Van Gaal has approved United's attempt to sign Luke Shaw from Southampton, his plan is to split left-back duties between the teenage England international and Evra, who started more Premier League fixtures than any other United outfield player last season.

Ultimately, the decision to remain at Old Trafford or take on a lucrative contract elsewhere will be Evra's, though.

The 33-year-old triggered a unilateral option to extend a contract worth over £6 million annually into a fourth season with his appearance record under the Dutchman's sacked predecessor, David Moyes.

According to a close friend of the player, Evra has yet to make a final decision on where he will play next season. However his emotional ties to United are such he is leaning towards rejecting the opportunity to return to Serie A with Juventus, and carry on in Premier League football.

Evra also remains a target of Juve's Serie A rivals Inter, who have already secured the services of the Frenchman's now former Manchester United team-mate Vidic.

The former Monaco defender joined Manchester United in 2006 and has enjoyed a highly successful spell in England, winning five Premier League titles and a Champions League title.